Submarine torpedo-launching tube.



C. SACERDOTI. SUBMARINE TDRPEDO LAUNCHING TUBE. APPLICATION ms!) SEPT-20. 191s.

Patented De 3,1918.

luviufom Csrsmu-z S Aczmoo-n ATTORNEY.

CESABE SACEBDO'II, OF GEN OA, ITALY.

SUBMABINE 'IOBPEDO-LAUNGHING TUBE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 3, 1918.

Application filed September 20, 1816. Serial No. 121,203.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, CESARE SACERDOTI, a subject of the King of Italy, residing at Genoa, Italy (whose post-0 'ce address is Via Corsica 10, Genoa, Italy,) have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Submarine Tor edo-Launching Tubes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has for its object to provide an improved type of submarine torpedo-launching tubes, which has been designed to allow of launching torpedoes without it being necessary to introduce compressed air into the actual launching tube. This invention thus does away with the drawback entailed by the use of submarine torpedo-launching tubes worked by compressed air which is due to the fact that the air issuing from the tube after having launched the torpedo, enables the enemy to perceive the direction of the launch and thus avoid the torpedo.

The manner in which this invention is to be performed will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example a construction of the improved apparatus for carrying out this invention. In these drawings Figure 1 is an elevation partly in vertical section of a torpedo-launching tube, and

Fi 2 is a vertical cross section on the line ,BofFi .1.

Fig. 3 is a pfiin illustrating twin torpedo tubes, and

Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the line C-D of Fig. 3.

According to this invention, the launching tube or tubes have a cross section such that their cross-sectional area is slightly greater than the cross-sectional area of the torpedo. By this means the water has free access to the interior of the tube as the torpedo moves forward along the tube in being discharged. The consequence is that the water fills up the space previously occupied by the torpedo, while the torpedo is moving out of the tube.

The travel of the torpedo in the tube is produced by the simple pressure of a pneumatic or hydraulic piston -0F, or b any other mechanical device. When this evice has caused the torpedo to travel along the tube for a distance suliicient to cause the opening of the valve for regulating the air supply to the motor of the torpedo, the screw propellers of the torpedo will be set in motion and the torpedo will proceed on its course being propelled by its own motor.

In the case 0 twin torpedoes, the front of the two tubes may be closed by means of a single outer door c-- operated by means of a central screwed rod d, the rear ends of the torpedo tubes being provided with separate movable covers ---b, b, with two pushing-out devices, a, a

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is A torpedo launching tube formed to hold two torpedoes out of engagement one with the other, means, one for each torpedo, for starting either independently of the other from the tube, a single door at the outer end of the tube, and means for operating the door from near the rear end of the tube, said means including a screw disposed centrally of said tube.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CESARE SACERDOTI.

G. CLnTUs MILLER.

copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner of 2mm, Washington, I). 0." 

